Which of the following nuclear fuels does a twenty-solar-mass star NOT fuse over the course of its entire evolution
A)hydrogen
B)carbon
C)nitrogen
D)oxygen
E)iron

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A twenty-solar-mass star is massive enough to undergo fusion of all the lighter elements up to iron. However, it does not fuse iron or heavier elements as fusion of these elements would require more energy than it would release, causing the star to collapse under its own gravity. Thus, the fuel that a twenty-solar-mass star does not fuse over the course of its entire evolution is iron.

Which of the Following Nuclear Fuels Does a Twenty-Solar-Mass Star